Dive Brief:

• HR and employers spend plenty on healthcare benefits and related services for employees, but new research shows they may not be spending it wisely, especially among younger workers, according to the Accolade Consumer Healthcare Experience Index survey.
• The survey's main finding is that those dollars might be better spent by factoring how age and life circumstances influence how people use and experience their health benefits.
• The survey reports that working families and workers under 30 years old, for example, need the most support in using their benefits and healthcare. According to the survey, only 56% of workers 30 and under say they are comfortable in their ability to navigate the healthcare benefits landscape, compared to 76% of retirees.

Dive Insight:

Younger workers also report feeling the least positive about their healthcare benefits (38%) and endure the most hassles in navigating their care, including understanding cost, coordinating care, choosing and understanding benefits, and finding a doctor they can relate to. Additionally, younger workers cite financial issues and a lack of knowledge about healthcare as the top reasons for making poor health decisions.

Working families (average age 39), at 42%, had the second-lowest positive rating of their overall benefits and healthcare experience. They say they spend "significantly more time" dealing with healthcare issues than either younger workers or older workers, perhaps "reflecting the added health needs of children and parents or other relatives."

Robert Cavanaugh, president of Field Operations, recommends that employers consider multi-generational needs and priorities when crafting their health benefits strategy. Segment benefits communications and tailor messaging by life stage, and also personalize support through trusted resources who know employees' life circumstances to serve as guides.